The true northerner., 1887-01-12

people would come TO see her flowers.
The next day she received this note:
'MY DEAR MISS CLAYroN,-i am OBJ
liged tO leave town suddenly, ana cannot
avail myself of your kind Invitations; but
Mr.. Ayondale will take great pleasure IN
calling on you to-morrow.-f ours truly, -,
OLIVE AvoSDALE."
II was early in the afternoon when
Oscar Avondale called,
Nina was in her greenhouse, clad in
becoming gray dress, and looking
of having visitor.
Avondale could not help noting how
pretty she was, or how Enthusiastically she
showed her birth and breeding.
This is jerry" she said, presenting
faithful old servant who had followed
her through sunshine and shadow. ''He
used TO help take care of the chrysanthe-
NUNS ut Clayton Heights.
"Well," said Avondale, smiling, "Pd
give good deal to have him back again.
I've had several gardeners, but the
flowers don't seem to thrive as well rs
thov used TO. The neighbors tell me the
chrysanthemums are not nearly SO fine
rs formerly"
''lt takes q Clayton to make them
chrysanth' NUNS grow" said Jerry,
shaking his head miss Nina used to
nuss 'en like babies, and they did beat
everything.
Jerry thinks it's family gift to grow
chrysanthemums, said Nina, laughing.
You see. | had watched them ever
since / was little girl. They were like
so many playmates TO me, and knew
all OF their pecuiarities and weaknesses.
| have always loved them, and"
Her voice trembled slightly, but she
turned away abruptly, and Avondale
found himself conducted through n
fairyland of blossoms, listening to Nina :
spirited talk. while Jerry brought for
ward one pot after another for exhibit
| ton.
He went away delighted, and when he
had gone, Nina knew by the helpless
void in her heart and life what he had
done to her.
oh" she cried in deepest anguish,
II must not, will not, love him.
Avondale came back after the Christ
mas holidays were passed, and when she
met hlm again, Nina knew that her
heart was his for ever.
"What have you been doing to your
self?" he said gaily. you look as pale
as one of your own flowers"
Nothing" she faltered.
"You got little package / sent you
at Christmas"
Yes. | did not write, because-be-
cause was afraid you would not under
stand, and thought | had better tell
you. am sorry. Mr.. Avondale," she
went on. rapidly, "but | cannot accept
such n costly present from you. You
| must take it back.
Don't be foolish!' he cried inpatient
lly. III is mere trihe, and you have
done SO much for mel"
you are very kind but | really can
not accept it. Do not urge me, Mr..
Avondale. You can only distress me-.
for nothing can make me alter my
determination; and II am afraid that
our pleasant companionship must end
now. cannot let you come here any
more Us YOU have been coming"
"Nlna"' he cried, "you do not mean
that?"
yes" she said, trying to speak stead
| ily. Il think it is best"
''Then you-you love another?" he
said, wretched pallor overspreading
| his face.
"No," she said. tremulously, "it is
not that Don't make me talk about
it. | simply don't think it is best"
Very we'll" he answered coldly. at
shall be as you say"
"But | don't want YOU TO be angry,
faltered poor Nina. "Wait minute
| have something for you"
She went into another room and
brought forth beautiful, salmon-color-
ed chrysanthemum, blooming in pretty
pot.
II kept this back for you," she said.
as she gave it to him. You can take
it home to your wife"
My wife?" he echoed. Il am not
married, Miss Nina"
"Not married! | thought Was
not that your wife-that lady who was
with you when
'Olive" cried Avondale. ut is not
lawful for alnan to marry MS sister, is
it? No. Nina; | have no wife. There
is no one | would have but you and you
are sending me away from you"
81 did not know" she said, tremulous.
y. ~'I-do net want you TO go now."
Avondalc's arms were around her,
and his eyes looking down into the
blushing face so near his own.
do you mean it?" he whispered,
! joyously, Nina, love you! VIII you
come back us my wife, and make the
ehrysanthemums grow at Clayton
Heights? Both ) and the flowers need
you sadly"
Nina hid her happy face on his
shoulder
Take me back home!" she whispered.
81 love YOU" And Nina's heart-troubie